Navjot Singh Sidhu and Gautam Gambhir. (Source:X/Twitter)
As per reports, Gautam Gambhir is set to travel to England with India’s A team before Rohit Sharma and Co. face the Three Lions in a five-match Test series, starting June 20. This one-of-a-kind move, which will allow the Indian head coach to assess the English conditions and make plans in advance, received praise from former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.
The Times of India reported that Gambhir is planning to accompany the A team on their tour of England. Traditionally, no head coach has travelled with the A teams, as the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) generally appoints the head of the National Cricket Academy – VVS Laxman or other NCA coaches – to oversee these tours. However, Gambhir has begun discussions with the BCCI, requesting permission to join the A tour to kick-start preparations and gauge the strength of India’s reserve players.
Gambhir recently coached India in the 2025 Champions Trophy and helped the Men in Blue lift the coveted title after 12 years. While India have fared commendably in the white-ball formats under Gambhir’s coaching, the same cannot be said about the Test team. The Asian giants have lost their last two Test series against New Zealand and Australia. As the former India opener seeks redemption in the longest format, Sidhu believes that the tour of United Kingdom could be his toughest challenge, especially playing in the first half of the English season.
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“Toughest challenge for @GautamGambhir will be playing England in the first half of the English season in test matches – juicy damp pitches offer lateral movement of the pitch and swing due to resistance in the air. Wanting to go there with the India A is preventing and preparing rather than repenting and repairing – forethought wins , in life and Chess,” Sidhu posted on his official ‘X’ handle.
Gambhir will take a well-deserved break from coaching duties during the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. He has had a busy schedule since taking over as head coach in July last year.
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